July 21, 2015

“Service Beyond Our Walls” Program Earns Public Libraries a National Innovation Award from Urban Libraries Council

Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) “Service Beyond Our Walls” outreach program has been recognized with an Honorable Mention Award in the “Positioning the Library” category from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC).

Through “Service Beyond Our Walls,” MCPL has expanded the library’s presence outside its physical buildings through the eight-member Outreach Team that extends the reach of MCPL resources, services and collections to non-users, potential customers and new Americans where they live, gather and meet.

Using the elements of surprise and improvisation, team members have implemented “pop-up” libraries at commercial malls, farmer’s markets and other sites, actively engaging customers in the communities, bringing valuable feedback to MCPL.

The members split their time between providing library services at their branches and planning and conducting outreach visits in their respective communities. Since 2013, team members have participated in more than 500 events and have reached out to approximately 40,000 people.